American Mom in Bordeaux - on the Radio!!

Expat Overseas Radio Network

Yes, you read that right.  I was recently interviewed by Doni Belau of Girl's Guide to Paris on the Overseas Radio Network.  If you follow me on facebook - American Mom in Bordeaux - then you may have caught the news back when I did the interview on March 19th.  We talked about being an expat family in France.

It was an interesting experience.  The Overseas Radio Network is an internet radio station that has all kinds of interesting shows - for expats or anyone.  Doni has a weekly slot on Tuesday mornings (EST) and interviews different people about Paris and France itself.  She was loads of fun to talk to - and we had a blast talking about cultural differences, the Bordeaux area, traveling as a family and adjusting to life in France.

I must say - it's a bit weird to hear yourself on the radio! For me from France, I was on the phone (so you can hear static from time to time) so I just felt like I was chatting with Doni. When I listened to the interview from  audio player on the website, it was the first time for me to hear  how I sounded.   It was great feedback  -   I think when I'm nervous I say "um" a few too many times.  We all live and learn, as they say!  So if I ever get interviewed again, I will have to keep this in mind.

Anyway, here's the link:

Girls Guide to Paris | Expat Overseas Radio Network


The show is an hour in length, but hint - when they go for commercial break - you can fast forward your player about 4 minutes and pick up the interview again.

Loire Valley, Villeny, & Thanksgiving Prep!

Fun with the girls!


Vacations are always fun...but I often feel like I spend the next few days or even a week in recovery.  All the stuff to put away, the laundry to catch up on, the clothes to unpack - all in a day's work.  Still adjusting to the French laundry - the time it takes to hang things to dry (really don't like the dryer) - it's a non-stop job for 3 days.

Thought I would take a quick break to upload some photos and capture some of our memories.

My oldest daughter had a lot of fun taking photos on this trip.  She took this photo of her sisters and me and I can't wait to see some of her other photos.  She has a great eye for composition.  One day I plan on posting some of her photos - always fun to watch your kids develop their own style.

I have to say, that's why it's really nice here in France that we have had 2 weeks of vacation.  This weekend - we can just hang out, relax and prepare ourselves for the routine to begin again. It's also nice to hang out as a family - as I mentioned in the previous post, my husband was off in Florence, Italy on a business trip - so great to have family time!  The kids are feeling more refreshed, they had a fun week traveling and during the first week - they saw their friends and relaxed at home.  When we were away - we rented a quaint old farmhouse in the country - in a small town called Villeny. The house was situated 2 km in the woods and had beautiful grounds to enjoy.  The kids had lots of fun outside.  There was a swing set and trampoline at the house, not to mention a pond and plenty of animals to enjoy!  The Fall foliage provided such a beautiful backdrop.  We also enjoyed the fire in the wood stove each day - like stepping back in time.

As I said in my last post, I will write up separate posts about each of the places we visited - It was such a great get away...We toured 3 castles and went the to Zoo Parc de Beauval during the 6 days were were away.  Here's a quick taste.

Chambord

Cheverny

Chateau de Clos Luce - home of Leonardo DaVinci

At the Zoo Parc de Beauval - St. Aignan

My thoughts are now heading toward Thanksgiving preparation - Thanksgiving is not celebrated in France but since it's such a huge family holiday in the States - we will enjoy our own festivities here.  It is a bit tricky getting exactly what we need here - but through my resources, I think we will be able to manage quite nicely.
Last year, my kids were a bit disappointed as I went shopping a couple of days before our celebration and couldn't find a turkey...(we had chicken instead), Cranberries for cranberry sauce doesn't exist here either, or canned pumpkin for pumpkin pie, did find sweet potatoes...but it was definitely a unique Thanksgiving!  We are already doing much better this year on the food front - a little more planning and organizing.  Just got confirmation that the butcher shop can order a large turkey!  Yeah!

We won't be able to celebrate until the Saturday after the real holiday - as it's a normal work and school week here - but I already feel better that it will be a bit more traditional.  We have also invited some family friends to join us - always fun to share traditions with others!

So other news - This blog has been nominated at Circle of Moms for a Top European blog award.  However, we need votes to qualify.  Please click on the Circle of Moms link on my page (located just above my bio) and vote if you enjoy reading this blog.  Also, share with your friends!  Voting is only until November 21st.  Thank you. - (or click on the link below)  You can vote once every 24 hours.

Circle of Moms - Top European Blog 2012


So I end this post with the peaceful view on the property where we stayed -
Just a visual reminder of how relaxing our time was there - and when things get crazy again - I know where to come back and look.

Loire Valley, Florence & Modern Technology

Leonardo DaVinci, France & Italy..

So this is the second week of Toussaint break in France - my husband unfortunately had a work conference in Florence, Italy - and it was just too complicated to try to take the whole family - but the girls and I, along with some friends are enjoying the Loire Valley.

We had a bit of fun skyping with my husband yesterday - he had an opportunity to tour the city before his conference officially started so shared amazing photos with us via Skype and email.  We returned the favor - and laughed at the irony that Leonardo DaVinci was famous in both places!  Yesterday was our tour of Chateau de Clos Luce, his home in France.  I will be doing more write ups about our trip later - but wanted to share some nice photos of yesterday, both from Leonardo's home here in France and of Florence!

The Cathedral in Florence, Italy...sorry I'm not there so can't tell you the official name - but can tell you it's beautiful and stunning!  Apparently, it has one of the first domes built in Europe.  Very ornate - definitely a different style than that of Notre Dame in Paris.

Of, course the statue of David - 

A unique feature - houses built across the bridges....this was apparently done long time ago in many European cities, but were removed by many cities to clean up the appearance of the bridges and open up the space and view.

Now, back in France - This is Chateau de Clos Luce - Leonardo's home in France.  A great place to walk around and most impressive were all the inventions that he envisioned.  Such the Renaissance man and a true visionary!







Below is his idea for the first tank....this model in the garden allowed the kids to spin it from the inside.

One more little taste, the idea for a water pump...

All I can say, with WiFi, Skype and instant email - it's so great to stay connected and enjoy our unique experiences!  I look forward to doing more detailed write ups on each of our tours this week....today we are off to Chambord.